Rearview mirror assembly with added feature modular display

ABSTRACT

An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles includes a mirror case having a reflective element and a carrier positioned in the mirror case. The mirror case is adapted to mount to a vehicle. The reflective element includes a substrate, with a reflective coating on one side of the substrate, and a window therethrough. The carrier has a display element for displaying one or more indicia through the window to define a display area on the reflective element. The carrier comprises a plate member, with a first portion and a second portion offset rearwardly from the reflective element and from the first portion. The second portion includes the display element. Preferably, the interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one light assembly for displaying the indicia through said window so that it is visible to an occupant of the vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to rearview mirror assemblies and,more particularly, to a modular variable reflectance interior rearviewmirror assembly for use in vehicles incorporating information displaysand controls for various electronic or electrical functions.

[0002] Variable reflectance interior rearview mirror assemblies includetwo basic designs: Prismatic mirrors and electrochromic mirrors.Conventional prismatic mirror assemblies include a reflective elementhaving a wedge shape in cross section and a mechanical actuator whichmoves the mirror case and reflective element between a day viewingposition and a night viewing position. Typical mechanical actuatorsinclude a bracket pivotally mounted to the rear wall of the casing and atoggle which pivots the mirror case and reflective element with respectto the bracket. However, these actuators often exhibit rotationalmovement between the casing and the bracket which can lead to increasedvibration in the casing and reflective element. With increasedvibration, the reflection in the reflective element is blurred. Inaddition, space within the prismatic mirror casing is limited by theactuator which moves within the casing.

[0003] More recently, prismatic mirrors have incorporated a number ofelectronic and electrical devices within the interior rearview mirrorassembly, for example lights for illuminating maps or the dashboard and,furthermore, information displays which provide information to thedriver or occupants of the vehicle such as warnings relating to thestatus of the passenger airbag. In commonly assigned copendingapplication Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed by Jonathan E. DeLine and NiallR. Lynam, on Feb. 5, 1999, information displays are provided whichinclude information relating to vehicle or engine status, warninginformation, and the like such as information relating to oil pressure,fuel remaining, time, temperature, compass headings for vehicledirection, and the like, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. With the increased number of devicesdesired to be housed in the mirror case and the increased number offunctions provided by the various devices, maximizing space or makingmore efficient use of the available space is highly desirable. Inaddition, because of the increase in included devices as well as thenumber of combined features, the rearview mirror assembly process hasbecome more difficult and complex.

[0004] Electrochromic mirror assemblies, on the other hand, include avariable reflectance element in the form of an electro-optic cell orunit in which reflectivity is changed in response to changes in lightand the amount of electrical voltage applied across the cell/unit.Therefore, electrochromic mirrors do not require an actuator. As aresult, the interior of the electrochromic mirror casing has more spacefor incorporating further electronic and electrical features, such asmap reading lights, as noted above, blind spot detection systems, rainsensor assemblies, video cameras for actuating windshield wipers orother purposes, or receivers, such as remote keyless entry receivers,cellular phone receivers, microphones, and the like. Heretofore,electrochromic mirror designs have included mirror casings withstructural reinforcement which provides support for the reflectiveelement in the casing, support for additional electronic or electricalfeatures, and stiffness to the casing. However, such reinforcementsreduce the potential available space in the mirror casing.

[0005] In the interest of economy and ease of assembly, it is highlydesirable to simplify the assembly process by having a common modulardesign for both electrochromic and prismatic mirror assemblies.Heretofore, the designs of the mirror casings of the electrochromic andprismatic mirror assemblies have had different internal structures whichresult from their different mounting arrangements. As the desire toplace more devices and features in the casing has increased, the economyand efficiency use of space is taken on increased importance.

[0006] Consequently, there is a need for a rearview mirror structurewhich permits a wide range of electrical and electronic components to behoused in the mirror housing, and which uses a plurality of commoncomponents to assemble either electrochromic or prismatic mirrorassemblies as desired. Such structure would enhance the economy of themirror assembly and, furthermore, would provide a product familiar toconsumers and users regardless of whether the consumer/user purchases aprismatic or electrochromic mirror assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a rearview mirror assemblyincorporating a modular structure which provides for mounting eitherprismatic or electrochromic reflective elements, as well as an improvedmounting arrangement for information displays.

[0008] In one form of the invention, a modular interior rearview mirrorassembly for vehicles includes a mirror case having a reflectiveelement, with the mirror case being adapted to mount to a vehicle. Thereflective element includes a substrate and a reflective coating on oneside of the substrate and a window therethrough. A carrier is supportedin the case and includes a display element for displaying one or moreindicia through the window to define a display area on the reflectiveelement.

[0009] In one aspect, the case includes at least one electrical orelectronic device which is supported by the carrier. For example, thedevice may be mounted to a circuit board, with the circuit board beingsupported by the carrier.

[0010] In another aspect, the carrier is adhered to the reflectiveelement. In preferred form, the carrier comprises a plate member, whichincludes a first portion and a second portion offset rearwardly from thereflective element and from the first portion, with the second portionincluding the display element.

[0011] In yet other aspects, the carrier includes a plurality of lightassemblies, with each light assembly being isolated from the adjacentlight assemblies such that the light leakage between the respectivelight assemblies is substantially reduced. The carrier includes a bodywith a plurality of cavities formed therein and a plurality of lightsources associated with the cavities, with the display element extendingover the body and over the cavities. The cavities together with thelight sources direct light to the display element for displaying theindicia. In preferred form, each cavity includes at least one openingthrough which the light sources direct light to the display element.Each of the cavities includes a reflecting surface associated with eachlight source for directing and defusing the light from the respectivelight source. Preferably, the reflecting surfaces comprise curvedreflecting surfaces.

[0012] In yet further aspects, a frame is mounted to the displayelement, which mounts the display element onto the carrier over the bodyand the cavities. For example, the frame may include a base wall mountedto the display element, with the base wall including a plurality ofopenings corresponding to and aligning with the cavities of the body.The openings expose areas of the display element for displaying theindicia. In preferred form, the frame includes recessed landing surfacesextending around each of the openings. The body includes projectingperimeter walls around each of the cavities, with the perimeter wallsseating on the landing surfaces of the frame to isolate each cavity ineach of the areas of the display plate member to substantially reducelight leakage between the respective light assemblies.

[0013] According to another form of the invention, a modular interiorrearview mirror assembly includes a mirror case having a prismaticreflective element and an actuator assembly supporting the case forshifting the mirror case between a day viewing position and a nightviewing position. The actuator has a first member, which is adapted tomount the mirror case to a vehicle support mount, and a second memberrigidly mounted to the mirror case. The first member includes first andsecond portions, with the second member being pivotally mounted to thefirst portion of the first member about a pivot axis and, furthercoupled to the second portion of the first member. The second memberpivots about the first portion to thereby shift the mirror case betweenthe day viewing position and the night viewing position.

[0014] In one aspect, the actuator further includes an actuator handlerotatably supported by the second member. Rotation of the actuatorhandle about an axis of rotation induces pivoting of the case about thefirst member on the pivot axis, which is generally orthogonal to theaxis of rotation.

[0015] In further aspects, the first member includes a downwardlydepending member, with the rotation of the actuator handle moving thesecond member with respect to the downwardly depending member to therebypivot the case about the pivot axis.

[0016] In other aspects, the actuator assembly further includes a cam,with the actuator handle rotating the cam about the axis of rotation.When the cam rotates about the axis of rotation, the cam moves the firstmember with respect to the second member to thereby pivot the casebetween the day viewing position and the night viewing position.

[0017] Advantages provided by this invention include a structure havingmodular elements, which comprise common components for assembling arearview mirror assembly, regardless of whether anelectrochromic/electro-optic mirror assembly or a prismatic mirrorassembly is desired. Additionally, the invention provides a more stableactuator for the prismatic mirror assembly design, which improves thevibration characteristics of and thus the visibility of reflected imagesin the reflective element assembly. Further, the invention providesimproved space economizing support for various electronic and/orelectrical features included in the assembly, as well as improvedinformation display visible by drivers and passengers in the vehicle inwhich the assembly is mounted.

[0018] These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features ofthe invention will become more apparent from the study of the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the drawings. dr

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of theinterior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention showing theinterior rearview mirror assembly in a viewing position on a frontwindshield of a vehicle;

[0020]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the mirror assembly of FIGS. 1and taken along line III-III FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the mirrorcasing of the interior rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 1 includinglight assemblies and a microphone module;

[0023]FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the mirror case of the mirrorassembly of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 4B is a rear elevation view of the mirror case of the mirrorassembly of FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting bracket andmirror support of the exterior rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 5A is a front elevation view of the mounting bracket of FIG.5;

[0027]FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the mirror mounting bracketof FIG. 5;

[0028]FIG. 5C is a sectional side elevation of the mounting brackettaken along line VC-VC of FIG. 5A;

[0029]FIG. 5D is a side elevation view of the mirror mounting bracket ofFIG. 5;

[0030]FIG. 5E is another sectional side elevation of the mountingbracket taken along line VE-VE of FIG. 5A.

[0031]FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an attachment plate andLED board and switch board of the interior rearview mirror assembly ofFIG. 1;

[0032]FIG. 6A is a front elevation of the attachment plate of FIG. 6;

[0033]FIG. 6B is a rear elevation of the attachment plate of FIG. 6;

[0034]FIG. 6C is a sectional side elevation of the attachment platetaken along line VIC-VIC of FIG. 6A;

[0035]FIG. 6D is another sectional side elevation of the attachmentplate taken along line VID-VID of FIG. 6A;

[0036]FIG. 7 is an enlarged front elevation of a display module of theinterior rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 1.

[0037]FIG. 7A is a rear elevation of the display module of FIG. 7;

[0038]FIG. 7B is a top view of the display module of FIG. 7;

[0039]FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the display module of FIG. 7;

[0040]FIG. 7D is a sectional end elevation of the display module takenalong line VIID-VIID of FIG. 7A;

[0041]FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of theinterior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention showing theinterior rearview mirror assembly in a viewing position on a frontwindshield of a vehicle;

[0042]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the interior rearviewmirror assembly of FIG. 8;

[0043]FIG. 10 is a sectional end elevation of the mirror assembly ofFIG. 8 taken along line X-X of FIG. 8;

[0044]FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the mirror case of the mirrorassembly of FIG. 8;

[0045]FIG. 12 is a rear elevation of the mirror case of the mirrorassembly of FIG. 8;

[0046]FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of an attachment plate andLED board of the mirror assembly of FIG. 8;

[0047]FIG. 13A is a front elevation of the attachment plate of FIG. 13;

[0048]FIG. 13B is a rear elevation of the attachment plate of FIG. 13A;

[0049]FIG. 13C is a sectional end elevation of the attachment platetaken along line XIIIC-XIIIC of FIG. 13A;

[0050]FIG. 13D is another sectional end elevation of the attachmentplate taken along line XIIID-XIIID of FIG. 13A;

[0051]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator of themirror assembly of FIG. 8;

[0052]FIG. 14A is a front elevation of an outer bracket of the actuatorof FIG. 14;

[0053]FIG. 14B is a rear elevation view of the outer bracket of FIG.14A;

[0054]FIG. 14C is a side elevation of the outer bracket of FIG. 14A;

[0055]FIG. 14D is a sectional side elevation of the outer bracket takenthrough line XIVD-XIVD of FIG. 14A;

[0056]FIG. 14E is a front elevation of an inner bracket of the actuatorassembly of FIG. 14;

[0057]FIG. 14F is a rear perspective of the inner bracket of FIG. 14E;

[0058]FIG. 14G is a top view of the inner bracket of FIG. 14E;

[0059]FIG. 14H is a sectional side elevation of the inner bracket takenalong line XIVH-XIVH of FIG. 14E;

[0060]FIG. 14I is an enlarged top plan view of an actuator cam of theactuator assembly of FIG. 14;

[0061]FIG. 14J is a bottom plan view of the actuator cam of FIG. 141;

[0062]FIG. 14K is a side elevation of the actuator knob of the actuatorassembly of FIG. 14;

[0063]FIG. 14L is a front elevation of the actuator knob of FIG. 14K;

[0064]FIG. 14M is a sectional plan view taken along line XIVL-XIVL ofFIG. 10 illustrating the actuator knob rotating the cam to a day viewingposition;

[0065]FIG. 14N is a sectional plan view similar to FIG. 14M butillustrating the actuator knob rotating the cam to a night viewingposition;

[0066]FIG. 15 is a front elevation of the display module of the interiorrearview mirror assembly of FIG. 8;

[0067]FIG. 15A is a rear elevation view of the display module of FIG.15; and

[0068]FIG. 15B is a sectional end elevation of the display module takenalong line XVB-XVB of FIG. 15A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment 10 of an interiorrearview mirror assembly for vehicles of the present invention includesan improved structure incorporating modular elements or units and alight module for illuminating an information display area 20 of assembly10. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly 10 is adapted to bereleasably coupled or secured to the front windshield W of a vehiclebelow the headliner header section of the interior roof in position forviewing by the driver in a direction generally rearwardly of thevehicle. It should be understood that assembly 10 may also be mounted tothe headliner or to other structures of the vehicle.

[0070] Mirror assembly 10 includes a mirror case or housing 12, a bezel13, and a mirror reflective element 14. Bezel 13 includes an enlargedchin area 15 positioned below the viewing area of reflective element 14,with a plurality of openings 15 a (FIG. 2) for receiving a useractuatable interface; for example user actuatable buttons 16 a andindicators 16 b that preferably are formed as a single unit key pad 16.Key pad 16 is preferably formed from a resilient material and, mostpreferably from a silicone material. Key pad 16 is positioned behindbezel 13 and provides on/off functions and indicators for variousvehicle and/or mirror assembly functions, as will be more fullydescribed below.

[0071] Case 12 is mounted to windshield W by mounting bracket 24 andsupport 28 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5). Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5A-5E,mounting bracket 24 includes a rearwardly extending ball mount 26 whichmounts mirror assembly 10 onto a support arm 28. Bracket 24 ispreferably formed from a resinous polymeric or plastic material and,more preferably, from a mineral filled polypropylene, such as glass ormineral filled nylon, for example RENY 252A. Ball mount 26 is preferablya zinc ball stud and preferably insert molded into bracket 24. Bracket24 is rigidly mounted to rear wall 38 of case 12 preferably by heatstaking onto projecting members, such as mounting bosses 34 and 36(FIGS. 4 and 4A) which project outwardly from back wall 38 of case 12and which extend into openings 25 provided at each corner of bracket 24(FIGS. 5 and 5A-B). In addition, bracket 24 includes outwardly extendingflanges 24 a each having an elongate opening 24 b and an elongateopening 24 c at its upper perimeter which receive corresponding flanges38 a in case 12 which are also heat staked to bracket 24. Flanges 38 aalso provide a guide for proper alignment of bracket 24 on back wall 38.In addition, flanges 38 a are located along ribs 38 c which provide alanding or seat 38 b for bracket 24 to further distribute the load ofbracket 24 across back wall 38 of case 12 and to increase the stiffnessof bracket 24.

[0072] When bracket 24 is mounted on bosses 34, 36, and flanges 38 a,ball mount 26 is aligned with an opening 40 provided on back wall 38 ofcase 12 through which ball mount 26 extends for coupling to support arm28 (FIGS. 3 and 4). As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, support arm 28preferably comprises a dual ball mount arrangement which receives ballmount 26 on one end and a second ball mount 30 from a mirror mountingbracket 32 to permit positioning and adjustment of case 12 when mountedon the vehicle. Bracket 32 preferably comprises a break-away mountingbracket for releasably coupling to a windshield mounting button onwindshield W or a header mount at an upper edge of the windshield in aconventionally known fashion. Examples of suitable mounting brackets ormounting arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,487,522;5,671,996; 5,820,097; 5,615,857; 5,330,149; 5,100,095; 4,930,742; or4,936,533 or co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/781,408,filed Jan. 10, 1997, all commonly-assigned to Donnelly Corp., thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

[0073] In preferred form, bracket 24 has generally rectangular body 27with openings 25 provided at each corner for receiving bosses 34 and 36therein, and elongate openings 24 b, 24 c for receiving flanges 38 atherein. Body 27 may be solid or may be molded with planar rear surface27 a (FIG. 5B) and a plurality of voids or recessed areas 27 b definedby a plurality of interconnecting webs or ribs 27 c formed on its frontside which provide for a rigid bracket 24 without the added weightassociated with a solid bracket.

[0074] Reflective element 14 preferably comprises an electro-opticreflectance element or unit that includes a transparent front sheet 14 aand a transparent rear sheet 14 b having a reflective coating 14 capplied to its rear surface (FIG. 2). Sheets 14 a and 14 b arepreferably glass sheets, with the front glass sheet 14 a being slightlyoffset relative to second glass sheet 14 b such that the upper and loweredges project for connection to appropriate metal connection strips. Avariable light transmittance, electrochromic medium 14 d is sandwichedbetween front and rear sheets 14 a and 14 b. The front surface of rearglass 14 b and rear surface of front glass 14 a each have a transparentelectroconductive coating, such as an indium tin oxide or doped tinoxide or the like, to conduct electricity across electrochromic medium14 d by way of the connection strips secured at the offset top andbottom of the front and rear glass sheets 14 a and 14 b. When anelectrical voltage is applied across the electro-optic element betweenfront glass 14 a and rear glass 14 b, the transmittance of layer 14 dvaries. For example, it may darken or become more opaque, to reducelight reflected by the reflective coating 14 c on reflective rear glass14 b. Electrochromic medium 14 d may, for example, comprise anelectrochemichromic medium such as described in commonly assigned U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,140,455 and 5,151,816, or a solid state electrochromicmedium such as described in the following publications: N. R. Lynam,“Electrochromic Automotive Day/Night Mirrors”, SAE Technical PaperSeries 870636 (1987); N. R. Lynam, “Smart Windows for Automobiles”, SAETechnical Paper Series 900419 (1990); N. R. Lynam and A. Agrawal,“Automotive Applications of Chromogenic Materials”, Large AreaChromogenics: Materials and Devices for Transmittance Control, C. M.Lampert and C. G. Grandquist, EDS., Optical Engineering Press,Washington (1990), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties. Other suitable electrochromicreflectors are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,567,360; 5,525,264;5,610,756; 5,406,414; 5,253,109; 5,076,673; 5,073,012 or 5,117,346,which are all commonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, the disclosuresof which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0075] Typically, the two glass plates sandwich the electrochromicmedium. A reflective coating may be deposited either on the rear mostsurface away from the viewer (to create a fourth surface reflector as isknown in the art) or disposed on the front surface of the rear mostsubstrate (to create a third surface reflector as is known in the art).The substrates can be of equal or different glass thicknesses. Theelectrochromic medium can be a liquid medium or a solid medium, such asa solid polymer matrix electrochromic medium such as is disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/350,930 filed Jul. 12, 1999 titled“Electrochromic Polymeric Solid Films, Manufacturing ElectrochromicDevices Using Such Films, And Processes For Making Such Solid Films AndDevices” to Desaraju V. Varaprasad et al., the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, aninterior rearview mirror can comprise a 1.1 mm thick front substrate, a2 mm thick rear substrate, and an aluminum silver, silver alloy,aluminum alloy or the like highly reflective metal film on the frontsurface of the rear substrate (i.e. third surface reflector) and theelectrochromic medium may be solid such as electrochromic Solid PolymerMatrix (SPM)™ comprising a color changing cross-linked polymer solidfilm. Most preferably, the front substrate comprises a glass plate ofthickness less than about 1.6 mm, most preferably about 1.1 mm thicknessor lower, and the rear substrate comprises a glass plate of thicknessequal to or greater than about 1.6 mm, more preferably greater thanabout 1.8 mm thickness, most preferably equal to or greater than about2.0 mm thickness. The rearmost surface of the rear substrate (the fourthsurface as known in the mirror art) is reflector coated with a highreflecting metal film such as of aluminum or silver, or an alloy ofaluminum or silver. Most preferably, the frontmost surface of the rearsubstrate (the third surface as known in the mirror art) is reflectorcoated with a high reflecting metal film such as of aluminum or silver,or an alloy of aluminum or silver.

[0076] Optionally, the front surface of the front substrate 14 a (i.e.the first surface as known in the mirror art) can be coated with asurface coating or otherwise modified so as to reduce the build up ofcondensation or mist such as can occur in humid climates. For example,the front surface of the front substrate 14 a (which is the surface uponwhich condensation/mist might gather or which would be subject toraindrops should the vehicle be a convertible and be driven with hooddown during rain) may be optionally coated with a water wettingcharacteristic modification coating such as a hydrophilic coating suchas a photocatalytic hydrophilic coating system such as is disclosed inJapanese Patent Abstract JP11050006A, issued Feb. 23, 1999, titled“Pretreatment of surface Forming Photocatalytic Hydrophilic Film andCleaning Agent and Undercoating Composition Used Therein” to Mitsumasaet al of Toto Ltd, and in JP10330131A, issued Dec. 15, 1998, titled“Hydrophilic Thin Film and Vehicular Mirror and Glass Product Using TheSame Hydrophilic Thin Film” to Tsutomu et al of Ichikoh Ind Ltd, and inJP10036144A, issued Feb. 10, 1998, titled “Antifogging Element” to Toruet al of Murakami Corporation, and in U.S. Pat. 5,724,187, issued Mar.3, 1998, titled “Electrochromic Mirrors and Devices” to Varaprasad et alof Donnelly Corporation, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein. Also, such wetting characteristicmodification coatings and techniques, such as photocatalytic hydrophiliccoatings, can be used for the first (frontmost) surface of anon-electrochromic reflective element such as a prismatic interiormirror reflective element (and for the first surface of electrochromicexterior mirror reflective elements and of metal coated, such aschromium coated, exterior non-electrochromic mirror reflectiveelements).

[0077] In order to control the reflectance of reflective element 14,case 12 includes a light sensor, which is positioned in hollow socket 39which includes a rearward opening 39 a in back wall 38 of case 12 (FIGS.4, 4A and 4B). Positioned in socket 39 is a lens cover 39 b throughwhich the light sensor detects the light level outside the vehicle. Thedriving circuit for varying the transmittance of layer 14 d ispreferably supported on electrochromic circuit board 17 (FIG. 2), whichis supported on an attachment plate 18 via a circuit board 21, describedbelow. Examples of suitable driving circuits can be found in thereferenced U.S. patents.

[0078] As best understood from FIGS. 2 and 3, reflective element 14 issupported and retained in a rear facing opening of case 12 by bezel 13.Bezel 13 and case 12 are both formed preferably from resinous polymericmaterial or plastic and, more preferably, a melt-processible plastic,and most preferably an engineering polymer, for example an ABS plastic.Bezel 13 extends around and over the perimeter of reflective element 14and engages a plurality of engaging structures 12 d provided at theperimeter of case 12 to thereby support and retain reflective element 14in case 12. Mounted to the rear surface 14 b′ of sheet 14 b by anadhesive are foam or resilient pads 12 b (FIG. 2) which rest on ribs orwebbing 12 c (FIGS. 2 and 4) provided on case 12. Webbing 12 c extendsdiagonally across case 12 at each end of case 12 so as to provideadditional support for the end portions of reflective element 14 whenbezel 13 is mounted to case 12. Pads 12 b act as shock absorbers toreduce the vibration in reflective element 14 and, further, reduce therisk of breaking glass sheets 14 a and 14 b during impact. In thepreferred form, pads 12 b are cross linked polyethylene foam. In theillustrated embodiment, pads 12 b comprise generally semicircular padsand generally follow the outline of the ends of reflective element 14.However, it can be appreciated that pads 12 b may have other shapes orconfigurations, and may be positioned in other locations.

[0079] As best seen in FIG. 2, reflective element 14 includes a window21 which provides a display area 20. Window 21 (FIG. 1) is formed in thereflective element, for example by the absence or reduction, such as byremoval, of a portion of the reflective coating 14 c of second sheet 14b. As an alternative to removing or substantially removing the mirrorreflector coating from a rear surface of the substrate in order tocreate a light transmitting window therethrough, a semi-transparent butsignificantly reflective coating can be used to function akin to aone-way mirror for the display. For example, a silicon mirror can beused or a dichroic filter, preferably with a bandpass of lighttransmission tuned to match the wavelength of the light emitted by thedisplay placed therebehind, can be used, and such silicon and dichroicfilters are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,663 to Varaprasad et al andassigned to Donnelly Corp., and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,492 to Roberts,and assigned to Muth Corp., both of which disclosures are incorporatedin their entireties by reference herein. As will be more fully describedbelow, a display element 54 of a light module 19 and light emittedtherefrom are positioned behind reflective element 14 and are alignedwith and transmit through the corresponding light transmitting window 21created in the reflector of reflective element 14 for displaying indiciathrough window 21 to form display area 20. Where the reflective coatingis only reduced in thickness as compared to the absence of thereflective coating, the display area will not become apparent untilactuated, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment 10, window 21 comprises a generallytrapezoidal area, which is preferably located at a central lower edge 20a of reflective element 14. However, it should be understood that thedisplay area can be located elsewhere, for example along an upper edgeor side edge of reflective element 14. Display area 20 is used toprovide information, such as by way of alpha-numeric indicia or symbolicor graphical indicia, such as icons, including for example passengersafety information, such as Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint (PSIR)status or Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) status. The luminousintensity of the Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint display thatindicates the status of activation/deactivation of passenger-sideairbags (or of Side-airbag Inflatable Restraint display in the casewhere the vehicle is equipped with side airbags) should be sufficientlyintense so as to be readily visible by vehicle occupants, even underhigh ambient lighting conditions such as during daylight driving. Inthis regard, it is desirable that the luminous intensity of the display,as displayed to the vehicle occupant, be at least about 100 candelas/sq.meter during daytime; preferably at least about 250 candelas/sq. meter,more preferably at least about 500 candelas/sq. meter and mostpreferably, be at least about 750 candelas/sq. meter in luminous lightintensity. Also, it is desirable that the daytime display lightintensity be reduced during night time driving to a lower luminous lightintensity, preferably below about 50 candelas/sq. meter, more preferablyto below about 30 candelas/sq. meter and most preferably to below about15 candelas/sq. meter. Various methods can be employed to achievenight-time display dimming including using a signal, typically apulse-width modulated signal, from the vehicle that cause the mirrordisplay to dim in tandem with the lights in the instrument panel.Another option is to use a mirror-mounted photosensor that causes themirror-mounted display to dim when low ambient conditions are detected,such as is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,416,313 and 5,285,060, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Should themirror mounted display be displaying from behind a window created in anelectrochromic reflective element, then display re-brightening tocompensate for any decrease in transmission of the electrochromic mediummay be employed, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,416,313 and5,285,060. Should a compass display be used in the electrochromic mirrorassembly that is subject already to display re-brightening, then themirror-mounted airbag status display may be slaved off the same control,or it may be subject to an independent control. Also, where the airbagstatus display dims at night under command of a signal from the vehicleelectronics such an instrumentation panel light dimming signal, thestate of coloration of any electrochromic reflective element present canbe monitored, and the intensity of the airbag or similar display presentcan be increased when it is determined that the electrochromic elementhas dimmed due to the presence of glare from following headlights.

[0081] As best seen in FIG. 3, light module 19 contacts rearward surface14 b′ of sheet 14 b and is aligned with window 21 and includes a displaymodule 52 on which various indicia are formed or etched or providedthereon (FIGS. 2, 6, 7, and 7A-7D). Preferably, display module 52includes indicia formed thereon, in which case the indicia areilluminated by light sources 23 described in greater detail below.Optionally, indicia may be formed by selectively actuating lightsources. For example, an array of light sources may be provided withselected light sources in the array being actuated to project patternsof light onto the display module which patterns form the indicia.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A-7D, display module 52 is an assemblyor unit of similar trapezoidal shape to window 21 and includes a displayelement 54, which is preferably black and translucent with the indiciabeing formed, etched, or printed on a rear surface 54 a of element 54.As previously noted, indicia may be formed by selective actuation oflight sources 23 as well. Element 54 is preferably a plate elementformed from resinous polymeric material such as glass filledpolycarbonate, for example available under the name BAYER SCR26033705PC.Optionally, the indicia may be formed by partial removal of the blackpigment so that the indicia is not visible until back-lit andilluminated by light sources 23, more fully described below. As bestseen in FIGS. 7A-7D mounted to rear surface 54 a of element 54 is aframe or carrier member 58, which is also preferably formed from aresinous polymeric material. Frame 58 may be adhered to element 54 by anadhesive or may be integrally molded with element 54. Frame 58 is alsopreferably trapezoidal shape and includes a base or back wall 66 and aperimeter wall 60 which defines upper and lower side walls 62 and 64 andend side walls 63 a and 63 b. Side walls 62 and 64 include elongatedopenings or slots 65 for mounting graphics module 52 to attachmentmember 18 over light assemblies 90, 92, and 94, more fully describedbelow. Perimeter wall 60 projects outwardly from back wall 66, withupper side wall 62 and lower side wall 64 being interconnected atopposed ends by end side walls 63 a and 63 b and intermediate walls 68and 70. Projecting outwardly from intermediate walls 68 and 70 are apair of stops 72 which act as locators for installing display module 52onto attachment member 18.

[0083] As best seen in FIG. 7A, back wall 66 includes a plurality ofopenings 74, 76, and 78 which expose areas or regions of element 54.Located or formed on those areas of exposed plate 54 are the indicia,such as “on”, “off” and “passenger air bag” with its associated icon(FIG. 7). The passenger side air bag on/off signal may be derived fromvarious types of seat occupancy detectors such as by video surveillanceof the passenger seat as disclosed in co-pending, commonly-assigned U.S.Pat. application Ser. No. PCT/US94/01954, filed Feb. 25, 1994, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, or byultrasonic or sonar detection, infrared sensing, pyrodetection, weightdetection, or the like. Alternately, enablement/displayment of thepassenger side air bag operation can be controlled manually such asthrough a user operated switch operated with the ignition key of thevehicle in which assembly 10 is mounted as described in co-pending,commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/799,734, filedFeb. 12, 1997, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. It should be understood that other indicia maybe used and, further, that the size of the areas may be increased ordecreased as desired. When mounted to attachment member 18, openings 78,76, and 74 are aligned with respective light assemblies 90, 92, and 94of attachment member 18, as will be more fully described in reference toattachment member 18. Extending around each opening 74, 76, and 78 aregenerally planar landing surfaces 74 a, 76 a, and 78 a, respectively,which are formed by portions of back wall 66. Each landing surface 74 a,76 a, and 78 a is surrounded by a divider wall 80 which extends betweenintermediate walls 68 and 70 adjacent upper wall 62 and lower wall 64and extends between upper wall 62 and lower wall 64 between landing 74 aand 76 a and between 76 a and 78 a. In this manner, landing surfaces 74a, 76 a, and 78 a are recessed below the upper surface of divider wall80. Wall 80, therefore, provides a barrier between each opening 74, 76,and 78 and substantially reduces, if not prevents, light leakage betweenthe respective light assemblies 90, 92, and 94 so that each indicia canbe illuminated without illuminating an adjacent indicia. Preferably,upper and lower walls 62 and 64 include notched surfaces 82, which alignwith the respective slotted openings 65 to guide the openings onto thecorresponding receiving structures on attachment plate 18.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A-6D, attachment member 18 comprises agenerally rectangular plate 84 formed from a resinous polymericmaterial, preferably an ABS, for example GE CYCOLAC AR 2402, availablefrom GE Plastics. Plate 84 includes a first upper planar portion 84 aand a second offset portion 84 b which is offset rearwardly fromreflective element 14. Light assemblies 90, 92, and 94 are formed onoffset portion 84 b over which display module 52 is mounted to formlight module 19. Display module 52 is mounted to attachment member 18 bya plurality of projecting flanges 88, which extend into slotted openings65 provided in upper and lower side walls 62 and 64 preferably guided bynotched surfaces 82. Light assemblies 90, 92, and 94 are formed by anelongated generally rectangular body 100 which projects outwardly fromoffset portion 84 b towards display module 52. Body 100 includes upper,lower, left, and right sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. Recessed intorectangular body 100 are three recessed cavities 110, 112, and 114 whichrespectively form light assemblies 90, 92, and 94 that direct light fromlight sources 23 toward display module 52. Light sources 23 are mountedto circuit board 22 (FIG. 6), which in turn is mounted to rear surface18 a of attachment member 18. Each cavity 110, 112, and 114 includes aplurality of openings 118 which align with and through which lightsources 23 project light toward display module 52. In the illustratedembodiment, cavity 110 comprises an elongate generally rectangularcavity with six openings, while cavities 112 and 114 each comprisegenerally rectangular or square cavities having two openings formedtherein. Cavities 110, 112, and 114 each include parabolic reflectingsurfaces 120, 122, and 124 (FIGS. 6, 6A, 6C, and 6D), respectively,associated with each opening 118 to defuse the light from light sources23 to provide uniform light across display area 20. It should beunderstood that the shape and size of the cavities may be varied, and,furthermore, that arrays of light sources may be housed in cavities 110,112, and 114. In addition, the light from the light sources may beselectively dimmed such the display is dimmed, as would be understood bythose skilled in the art. Such dimming of the display may be automaticor may optionally be controlled by an occupant of the vehicle, forexample by a dimmer switch.

[0085] In preferred form, light sources 23 comprise non-incandescentlight sources, for example light emitting diodes (LEDs), which areadapted to provide backlighting of display module 52 when the circuitboard 22 is positioned on attachment member 18. A preferred lightemitting diode is a NICHIA white light emitting diode available fromNichia Chemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan, under Model Nos. NSPW 300AS,NSPW 500S, NSPW 310AS, NSPW 315AS, NSPW 510S, NSPW 515S, and NSPW WF50S,and provides low level, non-incandescent, white light for illuminatingthe indicia on display module 52. Optionally, one or more light sources23 may be connected to operate at all times during the operation of thevehicle so as to continuously illuminate the indicia, for example thewords “passenger air bag.” The remaining light sources aligned with thewords “off” and “on,” respectively, and may be individually selectivelyactivated to provide backlighting for those words individually. Thelight sources behind the status of the air bag, either off (disabled) oron (enabled) are selectively operated.

[0086] Alternately, other emitting elements can be used to displayinformation (including alpha-numerical information) such as incandescentdisplays, vacuum fluorescent displays, electroluminescent displays,field-emission displays, organic polymeric light emitting displays, orcathode ray tube displays. The various displays useful in this inventioncan also be reconfigurable so that certain critical alpha-numeric orsymbolic information, icons or other indicia will override or supplantnormal, primary information for a selected period of time such as for atraffic warning, vehicle blind spot presence detection, engine operationchange or deficiency, compass heading change, incoming cellular phonecall or the like.

[0087] Circuit board 22 is mounted on attachment member 18 by rearwardlyprojecting flexible flanges 130 (FIG. 6B) which extend intocorresponding openings 132 provided on circuit board 22 to releasablycouple circuit board 22 to attachment member 18 and further to positioneach light source 23 with a respective opening 118 of cavities 110, 112,and 114. As best seen in FIGS. 6C and 6D, when circuit board 22 ismounted to attachment member 18 by flanges 130, light sources 23 arealigned with openings 118 and further are received in a recesses 134formed on rear side 100 a of block member 100. In this manner, lightleakage from the respective light sources is substantially reduced and,more preferably, essentially eliminated.

[0088] Referring again to FIG. 6, extending around each cavity 110, 112,and 114 is a projecting perimeter wall 110 a, 112 a, and 114 a,respectively. Perimeter walls 110 a, 112 a, and 114 a align with and areseated on landing surfaces 78 a, 76 a, and 74 a, of display module 52.As best understood from FIG. 3, when circuit board 22 is mounted toattachment member 18 and display module 52 is mounted to attachmentmember 18 and positioned against rear surface 14 b′ of second sheet 14b, openings 78 a, 76 a, and 74 a align with respective light assemblies90, 92, and 94 and light from the respective light sources 23 isdirected by the curved reflecting surfaces 120, 122, and 124, preferablycompound curved reflecting surfaces, and most preferably parabolicreflecting surfaces to cause the light to be defused and, furthermore,to create substantially uniform light across display area 20 for eachrespective indicia or group of indicia. In addition, since substantiallyall the light from each respective light source 23 is directed throughopenings 118 and each perimeter wall 110 a, 112 a, and 114 a of eachrespective cavity abuts and substantially seals against the landingsurfaces of each respective display area, light leakage between cavitiesis substantially reduced, if not eliminated. In other words, each lightassembly is isolated from adjacent light assemblies. As a result, straylight between the indicia on display module 52 is substantiallyeliminated. Optionally, perimeter walls 110 a, 112 a, and 114 a maycomprise a compressible plastic or resilient material, such as rubber,to enhance the seal between each light assembly 90, 92, and 94 andopenings 78 a, 76 a, and 74 a, in which case, manufacturing toleranceson the respective parts may be relaxed.

[0089] More preferably, a display module is provided that encompasses atleast a light emitting source such as LED source, electroluminescentsource, organic polymeric light emitting source, a vacuum fluorescentlight source or an incandescent source. The light emitting source of thedisplay module may comprise individual light emitting segments orelements that are arranged to create an indicia when selectivelyilluminated. The light emitting source can be disposed behind a mask insuch a manner such that the mask forms the indicia when the mask isviewed by the observer. Optionally and preferably, the display moduleincludes appropriate display electric drivers and/or connections forillumination of the display and any ancillary mechanical support orpackaging.

[0090] Also mounted to attachment member 18 and aligned with key pad 16is a switch board 86, for example a wireless telecommunication interfacesystem, such as an ONSTAR switch board available from General Motors ofDetroit, Mich., for enabling buttons 16 a and indicators 16 b of key pad16. As best seen in FIG. 6, switch board 86 includes a plate member 136with an upper portion 136 a and a lower portion 136 b that supports aplurality of switches 138 and associated light sources 140 a. Eachswitch 138 and respective light source 140 a is aligned with arespective button 16 a on key pad 16 (FIG. 2). Switches 138 arepreferably pressure activated switches and activate their associatedlight sources 140 a when a respective button 16 a on key pad 16 isinitially pressed. Similarly, when the respective button 16 a on key pad16 is pressed a second time, its associated switch 138 is deactivated,which in turn deactivates its associated light source 140 a. Aspreviously noted, key pad 16 is preferably a resilient material, morepreferably a translucent rubber, such as silicone, and may include oneor a plurality of buttons (as shown) depending on the desiredapplication. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, key pad 16includes indicators 16 b which are illuminated by light sources 140 b,which are also supported on switch board 86. Light sources 140 a and 140b are preferably non-incandescent light sources, such as LEDs, such aspreviously described in reference to light source 23. Buttons 16 a mayprovide a wide variety of functions, including, for example, functionsassociated with the wireless telecommunication interface system.Indicators 16 b may provide information relating to the activationstatus of selected functions within the vehicle or mirror assembly.

[0091] Referring again to FIG. 6, switch board 86 is mounted toattachment member 18 on flexible flanges 142, located below light module19 which respectively engage notches 144 provided on a lower edge 136 cof portion 136 b. In order to assist alignment of switch board 86 onattachment member 18, plate 136 includes an elongated slot or groove 145for receiving a projecting pin 146 provided on offset portion 84 b ofattachment member 18. In addition, bezel 13 includes an alignment member13 a which projects inwardly and through openings 13 c and 13 d providedon switch board 86 and on attachment member 18, respectively (FIG. 3).Furthermore, upper portion 136 a of plate 136 seats on a recessed tab147 provided on first portion 84 a of attachment member 18. Tab 147provides a support and furthermore, provides a guide to assure thatswitch board 86 is properly aligned on attachment member 18. Inaddition, attachment member 18 includes a plurality of downwardlyextending flexible flanges 148 which engage and apply a spring pressureto releasably hold plate 136 in position on flexible flanges 142.

[0092] Mounted to the rear surface 18 a of attachment plate 18 is asecond circuit board 21. As best seen in FIG. 6B, attachment member 18includes additional flexible flanges 150 which project rearwardly fromrear surface 18 a of attachment member 18 to engage correspondingopenings provided in circuit board 21 to mount circuit board 21 ontoattachment member 18. Circuit board 21 preferably carries EC circuitry,for example EC board 17, for the operation of electro-optic reflectiveelement 14, and circuitry for light sources 23, light assemblies 42,microphone module 44 also housed in case 12, and for various othervehicle and/or mirror functions. For example, circuit board 21 mayinclude electronic and electric devices, including a blind spotdetection system, such as the type disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/799,734 entitled “VEHICLE BLIND SPOT DETECTION AND DISPLAYSYSTEM”, invented by Schofield et al. and filed Feb. 12, 1997, or rainsensor systems, for example rain sensor systems which include windshieldcontacting rain sensors such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,844entitled “VEHICULAR MOISTURE SENSOR AND MOUNTING APPARATUS THEREFORE”,or non-windshield contacting rain sensors, such as described in PCTInternational Application PCT/US94/05093 entitled “MULTI-FUNCTION LIGHTSENSOR FOR VEHICLE”, published as WO 94/27262 on Nov. 24, 1994, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties. Also, circuit board 21 may include circuitry formirror mounted video cameras, which are used to visually detect thepresence of moisture on the windshield and actuate windshield wipersaccordingly, such as described in copending U.S. application Ser. No.08/621,863 filed Mar. 25, 1996, entitled “VEHICLE HEADLIGHT CONTROLUSING IMAGING SENSOR” by Schofield et al., mirror mounted cameras forvehicle internal cabin monitoring disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,897and 5,760,962, both commonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Otherelectronic or electrical devices mounted to circuit board 21 may includefor example home access transmitters, a high/low or daylight runningbeam low headlight controller, a hands free cellular phone attachment, avideo device such as a video camera for internal cabin surveillanceand/or video telephone function, remote keyless entry receiver, acompass, a seat occupancy detector, a trip computer, an intrusiondetector and the like. As used in the specification, an electricaldevice encompasses an electrically operated accessory or device such asa map light or the like. An electronic device encompasses an electroniccircuit board or PCB (such as an automatic light dimming circuit board,a compass sensing and directional circuit board or the like) or electrondevices or circuits or systems, including electron tubes, amplifiers andtransistors and other devices that do the work of electron tubes.

[0093] In order to connect the various electrical or electronic devicesin case 12 to the vehicle electrical system and on board computers,circuit board 21 includes a connector 21 b, such as a 16-pin connector,mounted to rear surface 21 a (FIG. 2). When mirror assembly 10 is fullyassembled, connector 21 b aligns with an access opening 38 a provided onback wall 38 of case 12 (FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B) through which connector 21b is then connected to the vehicle electrical system and computer by wayof a plug connector and cable. When fully assembled with display module52, circuit boards 21 and 22, and switch board 86, attachment member 18is mounted to reflective element 14 preferably by an adhesive, such assilicone adhesive, an acrylic adhesive or the like. Alternatively,attachment member 18 may be mounted to other mounting structuresprovided in case 12. Furthermore when attachment member is fullyassembled and inserted in to case 12, display element 54 of light module19 and light emitted therefrom are positioned behind reflective element14 and are aligned with and transmit through the corresponding lighttransmitting window 21 created in the reflector of reflective element 14for displaying indicia through window 21 to form display area 20.

[0094] The interior rearview mirror assembly may also incorporate avehicle tracking unit which tracks where a vehicle is located, and isthus useful should the vehicle be stolen, or should the driver needemergency assistance at a remote location whose address is unknown tothe driver, similar to an ONSTAR System noted above. Such a system isavailable from ATX Technologies of San Antonio, Tex. and uses globalpositioning satellites and cellular communications to pinpoint thelocation of the vehicle. Assistance can be rendered by the ATX suppliedunit (known as an On-Guard Tracker (™) unit) on how to handle emergencysituations, direction can be rendered, remote unlocking of door lockscan be achieved if the owner's keys are misplaced or locked in thevehicle. Messages (such as email messages, hazard warning messages,vehicle status messages, page messages, etc.) can be displayed atdisplay area 20 or at the interior mirror assembly, where the driver isalways regularly looking during the normal driving task. As previouslynoted and best seen in FIG. 4, case 12 optionally supports a pair oflight assemblies 42 and a microphone module 44 in openings 46 and 48provided or formed in bottom wall 50 of case 12. Light assemblies 42provide light for the interior of the vehicle and may comprise maplights or dashboard illumination lights. Light assemblies 42 eachinclude a dome-shaped reflector housing 42 a with a cover 42 b.Reflector housings 42 a include mounting tabs 43 a which are heat stakedonto bosses 160 a and pins 160 b which project from back wall 38 of case12 to retain the housing in openings 46 in the mirror case. Reflectorhousings 42 a each include an opening 42 c to receive a respective lightbulb 158 which projects thereinto from circuit board 21. Reflectorhousings 142 preferably comprise housings molded from resinous polymericor plastic material and, more preferably, polycarbonate housings, forexample LEXAN 121 and are provided with a reflective coating and, morepreferably, are vacuum metalized. In preferred form, light bulbs 158comprise incandescent bulbs, and are supported by bulb holders 158 awhich are mounted to rear side 21 a of circuit board 21. Bulb holders158 a and bulbs 158 project downwardly and are inclined at an angle suchthat bulbs 158 extend into reflector housings 42 a through openings 42c. Covers 42 b preferably comprise transparent lens covers and morepreferably optical lens covers preferably formed from polycarbonate oracrylic. For example, covers 42 b may include pyramid optics, which hidethe light bulb positioned in reflective housing 42 a and, furthermore,may include optics to direct light as desired locations in the vehicle.Optionally, covers 42 b may comprise clear parabolic lenses. Referringagain to FIG. 4, covers 42 b are semi-circular shaped with flexibleflanges or fingers, for example snap fingers 42 d, for engaging bottomwall 50 of case 12. In addition, each cover 42 b preferably includes anelongated, L-shaped arm 42 e, which can be used to retrieve bulbs 158from bulb holder 158 a when bulbs 158 are no longer functional.Alternatively, non-incandescent light sources may be used in lightassemblies 42. For example, a cluster of a plurality of at least four,more preferably at least six LEDs may be used, which most preferablydirect white light to a targeted area. Light assemblies 42 may include avariety of emitting sources such as high intensity amber and reddishorange light emitting diode sources, such as solid state light emittingdiode LED sources utilizing double hydro junction AIGaAs/GaAs MaterialTechnology such as very high intensity red LED lamps T11¾ (5 mm)HLMP-4100/4101 available from Hewlett Packard Corporation of Pallo Alto,Calif., or transparent substrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide(AlInGaP) Material Technology, commercially available from HewlettPackard Corporation, of Pallo Alto, Calif. Also, blue or white LEDs canbe used or a combination of individual different colored diodes can beused with the color mixing therefrom to form a desired color.Optionally, a plurality of LEDs such as a cluster of four, six, eight orthe like LEDs can be used to target and illuminate a local area forhigher illumination at that area, such as may be useful in a map light(most preferably illuminating the target area with white light).

[0095] Light assemblies 42 are actuated by switches 162 which are alsopreferably mounted to circuit board 21. Switches 162 include buttons 162a which extend downwardly from circuit board 21 and are angled to extendthrough bottom wall 50 of case 12. In the illustrated embodiment, bottomwall 50 includes semicircular notches 164 a along the perimeter ofopenings 46. In addition, covers 42 b each include a correspondingsemicircular notch 164 b which together with notches 164 a form openingthrough which buttons 162 a extend for easy access by an occupant of thevehicle at the bottom surface of case 12. Examples of other lightassemblies, such as map lights or the like, which may be incorporatedinto case 12 are described in commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. Nos.5,669,698; 5,820,245; 5,671,996; 5,813,745; 5,178,448; 4,733,336; and4,646,210; the disclosures of all of which are herein incorporated intheir entireties.

[0096] Microphone module 44 preferably comprises a microphone moduledescribed in commonly assigned, copending application Ser. No.09/382,720 entitled “ACCESSORY MODULE FOR VEHICLE”, filed by Jonathan E.DeLine and Niall R. Lynam on Aug. 25, 1999, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein. Microphone module 44 includes at leastone microphone (not shown) which is supported in a microphone housing 44a. Housing 44 a is positioned in opening 48 of bottom wall 50 of casing12 and is held in place by flexible flanges 48 a which engage housing 44a, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Microphone module44 is electrically connected to a microphone connector 44 d supported oncircuit board 22 by pair of lead wires 44 c. Microphone module 44 or aplurality of microphone modules optionally provide hands-free input to awireless telecommunication system such as the ONSTAR™ system in use inGeneral Motors vehicles. Most preferably such microphones provide inputto an audio system that transmits and communicates wirelessly with aremote transceiver, preferably in voice recognition mode. Such systemsare described in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 09/382,720, filed Aug.25, 1999, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

[0097] In this regard it may be desirable to use audio processingtechniques such as digital sound processing to ensure that vocal inputsto the vehicular audio system are clearly distinguished from cabinambient noise such as from wind noise, HVAC, and the like. Also, noisecancellation techniques such as destructive interference canadvantageously be used, whereby the signal as picked up by themicrophone is processed, the human vocal signal is distinguished fromthe noise signal, and whereby the noise signal is fed back 180 degreesout of phase with itself in order to cancel out the noise by destructiveinterference and so enhance the vocal signal to background noise ratio.

[0098] Preferably the microphone interfaces to an audio system thatincludes an analog to digital converter and/or a digital to analogconverter for the purpose of converting the analog output of themicrophone to a digital signal for input to a digital sound processorand for conversion of the digital output of a digital sound processor toan analog signal for wireless transmission to a remote transceiver.Digital sound processing techniques may be used to enhance the vocalsignal to background noise discrimination ratio. Also, both analog anddigital audio filtering techniques can be used to enhance the vocal tobackground noise ratio, and so assist clarity of transmission and/orreceipt at a remote receiver and so improve accuracy in voicerecognition mode. Also, physical techniques such as sound insulation,acoustic wave guides, angling of microphones to selectively detectspeech versus background noise, use of a directed microphone directed toa potential human speaker in conjunction with a more omnidirectionalmicrophone intended to detect background noise can be used. An adaptivesignal processing system can be used to enhance vocal to noise ratio.Mechanical cancellation of ambient noise can be provided, as can a noisecanceling pressure gradient microphone, preferably in conjunction withacoustic ports including voice and noise ports. Such a system isdisclosed in World Patent publication WO 9817046 to D. Andrea of Apr.23, 1998, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0099] In this manner, all the electronics and electrical devices, withthe exception of the optional microphone module 44, may be supported,formed, and/or housed on attachment member 18. Thus, mirror assembly 10can be quickly and easily assembled, with attachment member 18 forming acarrier member, cartridge or modular unit/assembly which can be quicklyinserted into the cavity 12 a of casing 12. Optionally, when mounted toattachment member 18, display module 52 and switch board 86 are adaptedto align in a common plane with upper planar portion 84 a of platemember 84. In a similar manner, circuit board 22 is preferably generallyaligned in a common plane with circuit board 21 so that when fullyassembled attachment member 18 has a relatively compact and slimprofile.

[0100] Additionally, the interior mirror assembly may include a varietyof information displays such as a PSIR (Passenger Side InflatableRestraint) display, an SIR (Side-Airbag Inflatable Restraint),compass/temperature display, a tire pressure status display or otherdesirable displays, such as those described in U.S. Pat. applicationSer. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0101] For example, the interior rearview mirror assembly may include adisplay of the speed limit applicable to the location where the vehicleis travelling. Conventionally, speed limits are posted as a fixed limit(for example, 45 MPH) that is read by the vehicle driver upon passing asign. As an improvement to this, an information display (preferably analphanumerical display and more preferably, a reconfigurable display)can be provided within the vehicle cabin, readable by the driver, thatdisplays the speed limit at whatever location on the road/highway thevehicle actually is at any moment. For example, existing speed limitsigns could be enhanced to include a transmitter that broadcasts a localspeed limit signal, such signal being received by an in-vehicle receiverand displayed to the driver. The speed limit signal can be transmittedby a variety of wireless transmission methods, such as radiotransmission, and such systems can benefit from wireless transmissionprotocols and standards, such as the BLUETOOTH low-cost, low-power radiobased cable replacement or wireless link based on short-rangeradio-based technology. BLUETOOTH enables creation of a short-range(typically 30 feet or so although longer and shorter ranges arepossible), wireless personal area network via small radio transmittersbuilt into various devices. For example, transmission can be on a 2.45gigahertz band, moving data at about 721 kilobits per second, or faster.BLUETOOTH, and similar systems, allow creation of an in-vehicle areanetwork. Conventionally, features and accessories in the vehicle orwired together. Thus, for example, an interior electrochromic mirror andan exterior electrochromic mirror is connected by at least one wire inorder to transmit control signal and the like. With BLUETOOTH andsimilar systems, control commands can be broadcast between the interiormirror and the exterior mirror (and vice versa) without the need forphysical wiring interconnecting the two. Likewise, the two exteriormirror assemblies on the vehicle can exchange, transmit and/or receivecontrol commands/signals (such as of memory position or the like such asis described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein) via an in-vehicle short-rangeradio local network such as BLUETOOTH. Similarly, tire pressure sensorsin the wheels can transmit via BLUETOOTH to a receiver in the interiormirror assembly, and tire pressure status can be displayed, preferablyat the interior rearview mirror. In the case of the dynamic speed limitsystem described above, preferably, the in-vehicle receiver is locatedat and/or the display of local speed limit is displayed at the interiormirror assembly (for example, a speed limit display can be located in achin or eyebrow portion of the mirror case, such as in the mirrorreflector itself, such as in the cover 40, or such as in a pod attachedto the interior mirror assembly). More preferably, the actual speed ofthe vehicle can be displayed simultaneously with and beside the localspeed limit in-vehicle display and/or the difference or excess theretocan be displayed. Optionally, the wireless-based speed limittransmission system can actually control the speed at which a subjectvehicle travels in a certain location (such as by controlling an enginegovernor or the like). Thus, a school zone speed limit can be enforcedby transmission of a speed-limiting signal into the vehicle. Likewise,different classes of vehicles can be set for different speed limits forthe same stretch of highway. The system may also require driveridentification and then set individual speed limits for individualdrivers reflecting their skill level, age, driving record and the like.Moreover, a global positioning system (GPS) can be used to locate aspecific vehicle, calculate its velocity on the highway, verify what theallowed speed limit is at that specific moment on that specific stretchof highway, transmit that specific speed limit to the vehicle fordisplay (preferably at the interior rearview mirror that the driverconstantly looks at as part of the driving task) and optionally alertthe driver or retard the driver's ability to exceed the speed limit asdeemed appropriate. A short-range, local communication system such asenvisaged in the BLUETOOTH protocol finds broad utility in vehicularapplications, and particularly where information is to be displayed atthe interior mirror assembly, or where a microphone or user-interface(such as buttons to connect/interact with a remote wireless receiver) isto be located at the interior (or exterior) rearview mirror assembly.For example, a train approaching a railway crossing may transmit awireless signal such as a radio signal (using the BLUETOOTH protocol oranother protocol) and that signal may be received by and/or displayed atthe interior rearview mirror assembly (or the exterior sideview mirrorassembly). Also, the interior rearview mirror and/or the exterior sideview mirrors can function as transceivers/display locations/interfacelocations for intelligent vehicle highway systems, using protocols suchas the BLUETOOTH protocol. Protocols such as BLUETOOTH, as known in thetelecommunications art, can facilitate voice/data, voice over data,digital and analogue communication and vehicle/external wirelessconnectivity, preferably using the interior and/or exterior mirrorassemblies as transceiver/display/user-interaction sites. Electronicaccessories to achieve the above can be accommodated in casing 12,and/or elsewhere in the interior mirror assembly (such as in the housingdisclosed in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 09/433,467 (Attorney DocketNo. P-783) filed Nov. 4, 1999 titled “Vehicle Interior Mirror Assembly”to Patrick Heslin and Niall R. Lynam.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, a second embodiment 210 of the interiorrearview mirror assembly of the present invention is illustrated. Mirrorassembly 210 includes a mirror case 212, a bezel 213, a reflectiveelement 214 which is supported in case 212 by bezel 213, and an actuator224. Similar to the first embodiment, reflective element 214 includes awindow 221 which provides a display area 220 preferably positioned at alower central edge of element 214 and a light module 219 (FIGS. 9 and13). Bezel 213 includes an enlarged chin area 215 as in embodiment 10with a plurality of transverse openings 215 a therethrough for receivinga user actuatable interface, including user actuator buttons 216 a.Buttons 216 a are preferably formed on a key pad 216. Similar to thefirst embodiment, key pad 216 preferably comprises a resilienttranslucent material, such as silicone rubber, and includes a pluralityof buttons 216 a, with each button preferably being translucent andoptionally including indicia formed thereon to provide an indication ofthe function for the respective button. In the illustrated embodiment,key pad 216 includes three buttons. Alternatively, key pad 216 mayinclude a single button or a plurality of buttons, less than or greaterthan three, including indicators, as previously described in referenceto the first embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, reflective element 214 comprises aprismatic reflective element having a wedge shaped cross section. Aswill be more fully described in reference to actuator 224, rotation of aknob 408 (FIG. 10) pivots mirror case 12, including bezel 13 andreflective mirror element 14, about a pivot axis 352 a (FIG. 10) therebychanging the position of the prismatic mirror element from a highreflectivity day viewing position in which incident light is reflectedto the user's eye from the highly reflective surface 214 a on rearsurface 214 b of reflective element 214 to a reduced reflectivity orpartial reflectance night viewing position in which a reduced amount ofthe incident light on mirror element 214 is reflected from the uncoatedfront surface 214 c of reflective mirror element 214.

[0104] Mounted to rear surface 214 b of reflective element 214 is anattachment member 218. Similar to the previous embodiment, attachmentmember 218 includes a light module 219 which displays or illuminatesindicia (FIG. 15) on a display module 252, which can be viewed throughwindow 221 of reflective mirror element 214. Mounted to rear surface 218a of attachment member 218 are first and second circuit boards 221 and222, which may support various electrical and electronic devices,described previously in reference to the first embodiment and below.Also mounted to attachment member 218 below display module 252 is aswitch board 286, which includes a plurality of switches and lightsources, preferably LEDs, associated with each respective button 216 aon key pad 216, in a similar manner to the previous embodiment.Optionally positioned in case 212 are a pair of light modules 242 and amicrophone module 244. Reference is made to the first embodiment forfurther details of the assembly and mounting arrangements of lightassemblies 242 and microphone module 244.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 13, attachment member 218 includes a resinouspolymeric plate member 284 with upper and lower portions 284 a and 284b, with portion 284 b being offset from portion 284 a rearwardly fromreflective element 214. As best seen in FIGS. 13C and 13D, upper portion284 a forms an acute angle with respect to front surface 284 b′ of lowerportion 284 b so that when attachment member 218 is mounted onto rearsurface 214 b of prismatic reflective element 214 a, display module 252and switch board 286 will be properly oriented with respect to window221 and key pad 216, which can be appreciated more fully by reference toFIG. 10.

[0106] Referring again to FIG. 13, light module 219 includes a generallyelongate rectangular body 300, which defines upper, lower, and left andright sides 302, 304, 306, and 308, respectively. Recessed in body 300in a similar manner to the previous embodiment, are a plurality ofcavities 310, 312, and 314. Extending around each cavity is a perimeterwall 310 a, 312 a, and 314 a, respectively, for resting on respectiverecessed landing surfaces 278 a, 276 a, and 274 a of display module 252,similar to the previous embodiment (FIGS. 15A and 15B). Display module252 includes a display element 254 and a carrier member or frame 258which is mounted to rear surface 254 a of element 254 (FIG. 15B). Frame258 includes a base wall 266 and a perimeter wall 206 which definesupper, lower, and side walls 262, 264, 263 a, and 263 b, respectively.Base wall 266 includes a plurality of openings 274, 276, and 278, thusexposing discrete regions or areas of element 254 on which the indiciaare located. In this manner, when display module 252 is mounted toattachment plate 218 on projecting flanges or snap fingers 288, openings278, 276, 274 align with cavities 310, 312, and 314, respectively.Furthermore, since perimeter walls 310 a, 312 a, and 314 a rest onrecessed landing surfaces 278 a, 276 a and 274 a, respectively, lightleakage is substantially reduced between the respective portions ofdisplay area 20. Similar to the previous embodiment, upper and lowerwalls 262 and 264 include a plurality of elongate slots or openings 265for receiving snap fingers 288 therein for releasably securing displaymodule 252 to attachment member 218.

[0107] Mounted to rear surface 218 a of attachment member 218 is circuitboard 222 (FIG. 13), which carries a plurality of light sources 223,with each light source being associated with a respective opening 318 ofcavities 310, 312, and 314, similar to the previous embodiment. Thus,when circuit board 222 is mounted to rear surface 218 a of attachmentmember 218 on flexible flanges 330, which project rearwardly from offsetportion 284 above and below light module 219, light sources 223 arepositioned in respective recesses 334 formed on rear surface of body310. In order to ease alignment of circuit board 222 on attachment plate218, circuit board 222 includes a slotted groove 222 a and a transverseopening 222 b, which respectively align with guide pins 330 a, whichproject rearwardly from offset portion 284 b.

[0108] Switch board 286 is mounted below display module 252 onattachment member 218 (FIGS. 9 and 10) by way of flexible flanges 342which project outwardly from lower portion 284 b and downwardlyextending flexible flanges 348 provided on upper portion 284 a of plate284. Preferably, plate 284 includes a recessed tab 347 offset from theplane of plate upper portion 284 a similar to attachment plate 18, whichprovides a seat for switch board 286.

[0109] Referring again to FIG. 9, circuit board 221, which mounts ontoattachment member 218 via flexible flanges 350 projecting rearwardlytherefrom (FIG. 13B), supports a connector 221 b on its rear surface 221a, for example a 16-pin connector, for connecting to the vehicleelectrical system and on board computer just as in embodiment 10. Inaddition, mounted to circuit board 221 are a pair of bulb holders 258 a,which support bulbs 258 b downwardly and at an angle for illuminatinglight assemblies 242 in a similar manner to the first embodiment.Circuit board 221 also supports a pair of switches 268 with buttons 268a for actuating light assemblies 242 also similar to the previousembodiment. When fully assembled as shown in FIG. 10, attachment member218 includes light module 219, switch board 286, circuit boards 221 and222 and is adhered to rear surface 214 b of reflective element 214 suchthat display module 252 aligns with window 221 and the switches onswitch board 286 align with respective buttons 216 a on key pad 216. Assuch, attachment member 218 forms a unitary assembly and inserts intomirror assembly 210 like a cartridge. Referring again to FIG. 13B,attachment plate 218 preferably includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs218 b on offset portion 284 b of plate 284. Ribs 218 b providereinforcement for lower portion of offset portion 284 b, which supportsswitch board 286. Furthermore, as best seen in FIG. 10, an outer bracket340 of actuator 224 optionally includes a projecting flange 442 (alsoshown in FIG. 14) which engages central rib 218 b′ to provide furthersupport for attachment plate 218.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 9, 14, and 14A-14H, mirror case 212 is mountedon support arm 228 by actuator 224. Actuator 224 pivots case 212 betweena day time high reflectance viewing position and a night time reducedreflectance viewing position. Actuator 224 includes an outer actuatorbracket 340 and an inner actuator bracket 342. Referring to FIGS. 14Eand 14F, inner bracket 342 includes a ball mount 344 which is engaged bysupport 228, similar to the previous embodiment. Ball mount 344 mayinclude a transverse opening 344 a extending therethrough to provide analternate or additional route for wiring to pass into mirror case 212.Support arm 228 receives a ball mount 230 from a mirror mount 232, whichpreferably comprises a break-away mount and attaches to a windshieldmirror mount button or to a headliner, as is known in the art. Ballmount 344 preferably comprises a zinc die-cast ball mount which isinsert molded with body 346 of inner bracket 342. Body 346 includes agenerally planar base member 348 with a reinforced collar 350 in whichball mount 344 is insert molded. Bracket 342 also includes a pivotmember 352 which is spaced from body 348 by arms 354 and 355, whichdefine therebetween spaced openings 356. Projecting downwardly from body346 is a guide member 358, preferably a cylindrical pin, which impartsthe pivotal movement to case 212 as will be more fully described below.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 14E, body 348 is reinforced by a firstplurality of webs 360 a arranged around the perimeter 362 of body 348and a second plurality of radial webs 360 b which terminate at acylindrical web 364, which is aligned along a central axis 365 thatextends through the center of collar 350 and ball mount 344. Transverseopening 344 a is preferably aligned with collar 350 to define a passagethrough ball mount 344 inner bracket 342. It should be understood thatbody 348 may also comprise a solid body with a transverse opening foraligning with opening 344 a.

[0112] Referring again to FIG. 14, outer bracket 340 includes an upperwall 366, a lower wall 368, and opposed side walls 370 which define acentral opening 372 in which inner bracket 342 is positioned. Upper wall366 includes an E-shaped recess 374 which defines a pair of projectingflanges 376. Spaced above recess 374 is a slotted opening 378, which isused to position outer bracket onto back wall 238 of case 212 byaligning with a projecting flange 380 provided on back wall 238 of case212 (FIG. 10). Also provided along side walls 370 are a pair ofprojecting tabs or flanges 382 which respectively include slottedopenings 384 for aligning with projecting flanges 386 also provided onback wall 238 of case 12 (FIG. 11). As previously noted, outer bracket340 is heat staked onto mounting bosses 234 and 236, which are receivedin openings 388 provided at the opposed comers of bracket 340. Similarto the previous embodiments, bracket 340 is also heat staked ontoflanges 380 and 386. Optionally, one of the openings 388 a may beenlarged to ease assembly.

[0113] As best seen in FIG. 10, outer bracket 340 is mounted on pivotmember 352 which is received in recess 374 on flanges 376, with flanges376 extending into openings 356 of inner bracket 342. Thus, outerbracket 340 is pivotally mounted on inner bracket 342 on pivot member352 about a pivot axis 352 a. In addition, with inner bracket 342 beingpositioned in central opening 372 between side walls 370 and flanges 376extending into openings 356, inner bracket 342 acts a stop to limitlateral movement of outer bracket 340 and, therefore, mirror case 212with respect to support 228. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 14a, bottom wall368 of outer bracket 340 includes a semi-circular offset wall portion390, which defines an elongated passage or opening 392 for receiving acam member 394. Semi-circular wall portion 390 is preferably reinforcedby upper and lower flanges 396 a and 396 b. Upper reinforcing flange 396a also supports a pin 398, which will be more fully described below.

[0114] Cam member 394 includes a body with a first cylindrical portion400 defining a transverse passage 402 therethrough, and a secondcylindrical body portion 404 which similarly includes a transversepassage 406 extending therethrough. Transverse passage 406 defines aguide path for cam member 394 (FIGS. 141 and 14J) when actuator handle408 is rotated, as will be more fully described below. First cylindricalportion 400 is seated in opening 392 of lower wall 368 of outer bracket340, while second portion 404 is positioned above reinforcing flange 396a for receiving pin 358 of inner bracket 340 in passage 406. As bestseen in FIGS. 14M and 14N, when seated in passage 406, pin 358 is heldbetween the parallel side walls forming passage 406 which furtherreduces the lateral movement between outer bracket and inner bracket butin a direction that is generally orthogonal to the lateral restraintprovided between inner bracket 342 and sides walls 370 to therebyfurther enhance the stability of the mirror case 12 on bracket 342.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 10, first cylindrical portion 400 is held inopening 392 by handle 408 and wedge-shaped flange 430. Handle 408includes a knob portion 410 and a shaft 412. Shaft 412 of handle 402extends through an opening 414 provided in bottom wall 250 of case 212and into passage 402. As best seen in FIGS. 14K and 14L, knob 410includes a flange 416 which bears against outer surface 250 a of bottomwall 250 and further provides a stop for handle 408. Shaft 412 includesa plurality of longitudinally extending ribs 418 and, further, anenlarged end or retaining head 420 which is defined at the distal end ofshaft 412. Ribs 418 engage corresponding grooves 422 provided inpassageway 402 so that rotation of knob portion 410 imparts rotation ofcam member 394. Grooves 422 a terminate at cylindrical portion 404,which overlays cylindrical body 400. In this manner, enlarged side wallportion 404 a of cylindrical body 404 provides a stop for shaft 412within passage 402. When positioned in passageway 402, each respectiverib 418 is aligned in its respective groove and further, enlarged end420 projects above upper surface 400 a (See FIG. 10). Enlarged end 420provides a bearing surface for semi-circular portion 404 b ofcylindrical body 404 and, further, provides a stop for knob 408. Whencylindrical portion 400 of actuator cam 394 is positioned in opening 392of outer bracket 224, enlarged end 420 is axially restrained intransverse passage 402 by a wedge-shaped stop 424 (FIG. 14) formed orprovided on upper flange 396 a of bottom wall 368. Wedge-shaped stop 424also provides stops for cylindrical portion 404 of actuator cam member394 which define day and night viewing positions for cam member 394, aswill be more fully described below.

[0116] As previously noted, pin 358 of inner bracket 342 extends intopassageway 406 of cylindrical portion 404 of actuator cam 394 whenactuator cam 394 is positioned on lower wall 368 of outer bracket 224.Passageway 406 is a generally L-shaped passageway with first and secondsemi-circular portions 406 a and 406 b which define first and secondlocations or positions for pin 358, which also correspond to day andnight viewing positions of outer bracket 352 and, therefore, case 212.Referring to FIGS. 14M and 14N, actuator cam member 394 also includes amounting structure 426, for example a pin, for a spring 428, preferablya coil spring which is mounted on one end 428 to pin 426 and on secondend 428 b to pin 398. Pin 398 optionally includes a groove 398 a (FIG.14A) to provide a seat for end 428 b of spring 428. In a similarfashion, engagement structure or pin 426 of actuator cam member 394 mayinclude a similar groove to seat second end 428 a of spring 428 onactuator cam member 394. Spring 428 provides a resistance for therotational movement of actuator cam member 394 in opening 392 and,furthermore, applies a biasing force to actuator cam 394 to frictionallyengage inner surface 392 a of semi-circular offset portion 390 toprovide a smooth action for the actuator. In addition, spring 428 urgescam member against downwardly projecting member 358, thus reducing andlimiting the relative lateral movement between outer bracket 340 andprojecting member 358. When combined with the lateral support providedby inner bracket 342 to outer bracket 340, actuator assembly 224exhibits reduced play between case 212 and support arm 228 thusimproving the vibration characteristics of mirror assembly 210. Againreferring to FIGS. 14M and 14N, when knob 410 is positioned as shown inFIG. 14M, actuator cam 394 is rotated in opening 392 clockwise to afirst position in which side wall 404 c of cylindrical portion 404 bearsagainst side 430 a of wedge-shaped stop 430, thus positioning cam member394 and, therefore, outer bracket 340 in a day viewing position in whichinner bracket 342 is generally vertically oriented within opening 372 ofouter bracket 340. In preferred form, outer bracket 340 includes a pairof stops 440 which limit movement of outer bracket 340 with respect toinner bracket 342. As best seen in FIG. 14N, when knob 410 is rotated toa counter clockwise position (shown in phantom), actuator cam member 394is likewise rotated counter clockwise such that pin 358 of inner bracket342 is located in a second position 406 b in actuator cam 394, whichpivots outer bracket 340 about pivot axis 352 a to a night time viewingposition for case 12. In addition, side wall 404 d of portion 404 bearsagainst side 430 b of stop 430. As knob 410 rotates about its axis ofrotation 410 a, spring 428 is extended, thus provided resistance to therotation of knob 410. When 410 is rotated ninety degrees to its nighttime viewing position, spring 428 returns to its first extended length.

[0117] In preferred form, actuator inner bracket 342 and outer bracket340 comprise a resinous polymeric or plastic material and, morepreferably, from a mineral filled polypropylene, such as glass ormineral filled nylon, similar to bracket 24. Actuator cam member 394preferably comprises a low friction polymeric material and, mostpreferably, an acetal material, for example TICONA SELCON M90, which isa low friction material and, thus, provides a smooth movement foractuator handle 408.

[0118] Thus, a prismatic mirror assembly is provided that is assembledfrom a plurality of common components that may alternately be used toform the electro-optic mirror assembly of the first embodiment and,further, which provide a compact carrier for backlighting a display onthe reflective element and supporting a plurality of electrical andelectronic components. In addition, the prismatic mirror assemblyincludes an actuator which provides a smooth position changer andincludes a more stable arrangement which is easy to assemble and, moreover, which improves the vibration characteristics of the mirrorassembly.

[0119] The rearview mirror assemblies of the present invention caninclude a wide variety of electrical and electronic devices incorporatedtherein and further utility functions, such as described in copendingapplication entitled REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH UTILITY FUNCTIONS,filed Nov. 24, 1999, by Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, and Darryl P.DeWind, Attorney Docket DON01 P-778, which is herein incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. For example, rearview mirrorassemblies may include: antennas, including GPS or cellular phoneantennas, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552; a communicationmodule, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,688; displays such asshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,240 or in U.S. pending application Ser. No.09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999; blind spot detection systems, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,929,786 or 5,786,772; transmitters and/orreceivers, such as garage door openers, a digital network, such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575; a high/low head lamp controller,such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,093; a memory mirror system,such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,176; a hands-free phoneattachment, a video device for internal cabin surveillance and/or videotelephone function, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,962 and5,877,897 and copending application Ser. No. 09/433,467; a remotekeyless entry receiver; map lights, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,938,321; 5,813,745; 5,820,245; 5,673,994; 5,649,756; or 5,178,448;microphones and/or speakers, such as disclosed in U.S. patentapplications Ser. No. 09/361,814, filed Jul. 27, 1999, and 09/199,907,filed Nov. 25, 1998; a compass, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,924,212; seat occupancy detector; a trip computer; an ONSTAR System orthe like, with all of the referenced patents and applications beingcommonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, the disclosures of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entireties. Other featureswhich can be incorporated include: a baby minder system, such as thevehicle interior monitoring system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,897and 5,760,962 or the rear vision system described in pending U.S. patentapplications Ser. No. 09/361,814 filed Jul. 27, 1999 and Ser. No.09/199,907 filed Nov. 25, 1998, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/422,467 (Attorney Docket No. P-783) filed Nov. 4, 1999 titled“Vehicle Interior Mirror Assembly” to Patrick Heslin and Niall R. Lynam,all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

[0120] For example, a camera, such as a CMOS or CCD camera, can bemounted to view the rear seat area of the vehicle so that the driver canview what is occurring, such as in a rear seat mounted baby seat or witha rear seat passenger such as children. Preferably, to enable viewing ofthe rear seat occupant or occupants even by night, the target field ofview of the camera may be illuminated in a manner that provides adequatevisibility for the camera to discern what is occurring in the rear seatin a darkened vehicle cabin but not illuminating in a manner that causesglare, distraction, and/or discomfort to any vehicle occupants,including the driver and/or rear seat passengers. For example, such arear seat monitoring camera illumination is preferably achieved usingdirected low level non-incandescent light sources, such as lightemitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting material,electroluminescent sources, and the like, and most preferably suchnon-incandescent sources are low power and are directed low intensitysources, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,321 and copendingapplication entitled “INTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLEINCORPORATING A SOLID-STATE LIGHT SOURCE”, Ser. No. 09/287,926, filedApr. 7, 1999, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties. A baby minder camera may be mounted as a part of therearview mirror assembly and, most preferably, may be mounted as a partof a header, including a front header of a roof or a rear header of aroof. It may be desirable to mount a baby minder camera it to the rearheader of a roof when it is desirable to view rear facing child supportseats. Most preferably, a plurality of at least two, more preferably atleast four, and most preferably at least six LEDs are mounted with acamera (such as to form a ring around the camera) with the lightprojected from the individual LEDs directed to be coincident with thecamera field of view and to illuminate the target area desired to beviewed. The LEDs being directed low level sources will not glare orcause discomfort to occupants when illuminated. Further,non-incandescent camera illumination sources can be illuminated wheneverthe ignition switch is on to operate the vehicle or at least when theignition switch is placed in “an accessory on” position so that both thecamera and illumination lights are operating on vehicle battery powereven when parked. Alternately, the illumination lights can beoperational only when the baby minder camera is selected to beoperational. While it is preferred to use non-incandescent lights, suchincandescent light sources can be used, most preferably high intensity,low current incandescent light sources. An interior surveillance systempermits the driver of the vehicle to observe behavior or the activitiesof babies or children or other passengers seated in the rear seat. Thisis especially advantageous when the child or baby is in a rearwardfacing car seat, where the child or baby would ordinarily not bevisible. For example, a camera, such as a CMOS or CCD camera, can bemounted to view the rear seat area of the vehicle so that the driver canview what is occurring, such as in a rear seat mounted baby seat or witha rear seat passenger such as children. Preferably, to enable viewing ofthe rear seat occupant or occupants even by night, the target field ofview of the camera may be illuminated in a manner that provides adequatevisibility for the camera to discern what is occurring in the rear seatin a darkened vehicle cabin but not illuminating in a manner that causesglare, distraction, and/or discomfort to any vehicle occupants,including the driver and/or rear seat passengers.

[0121] Furthermore, the mirror assemblies of the present invention mayincorporate a navigation system, such as described in as described incopending provisional application Ser. No. 60/131,593, filed Apr. 29,1999, entitled VEHICLE-BASED NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH SMART MAP FILTERING,PORTABLE UNIT HOME-BASE REGISTRATION AND MULTIPLE NAVIGATION SYSTEMPREFERENTIAL USE, which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Alternately or in addition, the modular aspects of the presentinvention can be combined with or incorporate a wide variety of otherinterior rearview mirror assemblies including electrically operatedcompass mirrors such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,109;electrically operated interior rearview mirrors incorporating mapreading lights such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,646,210; 4,733,336;4,807,096; and 5,178,448; and electrically operated automaticallydimming mirrors such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,690;4,799,768; 4,886,960; and 5,193,029; mirror assemblies incorporating GPSsuch as disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 08/569,851, filed Dec.8, 1995, by Roger L. Veldman and Desmond O'Farrell for “A VEHICLE GLOBALPOSITIONING SYSTEM NAVIGATIONAL AID”; mirrors including head lightcontrols, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/621,863, filed Mar. 25, 1996, entitled “VEHICLE HEADLIGHT CONTROLUSING IMAGING SENSOR”; mirrors incorporating displays, such as disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999,entitled “REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING VEHICLE INFORMATIONDISPLAY” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,240 for “DISPLAY FOR AUTOMATIC REARVIEWMIRROR”; mirrors incorporating blind spot detection systems, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,240; U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,687; and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 08/799,735, entitled “VEHICLE BLIND SPOTDETECTION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM”, filed Feb. 12, 1997; and mirrorsincorporating remote transaction systems, such as disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/057,428, filed Apr. 8, 1998, for “AVEHICLE MOUNTED REMOTE TRANSACTION INTERFACE SYSTEM”; and U.S. Pat. No.5,798,575; all commonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, HollandMichigan and the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

[0122] It can be appreciated from the foregoing that the presentinvention provides a modular design in which a plurality of commoncomponents may be assembled to form either a prismatic mirror assemblyor an electro-optic interior mirror assembly. For example, both thebracket and actuator bracket of the electrochromic and prismatic mirrorassemblies are staked into the respective casing using identicalmounting posts and tabs. The attachment member of both assemblies usecommon components and combines similar features in similar locationsthus simplifying the assembly process of the respective attachmentmember. In addition, the attachment member provides light assemblieswhich have an appropriate setback to provide adequate spacing betweenthe display module and the light sources so that the light is defusedenough to create uniform light across the display. Furthermore, thelight module is adapted to substantially reduce and preferably eliminatelight leakage between the chambers of the respective light assembliesand, therefore, only illuminate the selected indicia. Since theattachment member of the respective mirror assemblies comprises a fullyassembled electronic electrical device carrier or cartridge, theassembly process of the mirror assemblies is greatly simplified. Tofurther simplify the assembly process, the attachment member isconfigured such that the attachment member can be inserted into therespective casing in one orientation only. Additionally, since the ribsand extensive webbing in the conventional electrochromic mirror casingsare eliminated, the casing of the electrochromic assembly has now evenmore room for other electrical or electronic devices within casing 12.Moreover, the present design allows for greater flexibility, for exampleif a ball end version is desired, a respective bracket may be stakedwith a socket as opposed to the ball mount. Moreover, the actuatorbracket of the prismatic mirror assembly provides a more stable mountingfor the mirror case. Further, the attachment member provides impactabsorbing characteristics and significantly reduces the risk of thereflective element shattering and more preferably breaking in the eventof an impact.

[0123] While several forms of the invention have been shown anddescribed, other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art.Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in thedrawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, andare not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined bythe claims which follow as interpreted under the principles of patentlaw including the doctrine of equivalents.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege we claim are as follows:
 1. An interior rearview mirrorassembly for vehicles, said mirror assembly comprising: a mirror casehaving a reflective element, said mirror case being adapted to mount toa vehicle, said reflective element including a substrate, a reflectivecoating on one side of said substrate and a window therethrough; and acarrier positioned in said case, said carrier having a display elementfor displaying one or more indicia through said window to define adisplay area on said reflective element.
 2. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 1, wherein said window is defined by areflective coating free area on said substrate.
 3. The interior rearviewmirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein said case further includesat least one of an electronic device and an electrical device beingsupported by said carrier.
 4. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 3, wherein said device is mounted on a circuit board,said circuit board being supported by said carrier.
 5. The interiorrearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein said caseincludes a bezel.
 6. The interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 5, wherein said rearview mirror assembly further includes a useractuatable interface having at least one user actuatable button, saidbutton being located along said bezel.
 7. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 6, wherein said carrier supports at leastone switch for actuating a vehicle function, said carrier positioningsaid switch behind said button for actuation by said button.
 8. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 6, wherein saiduser actuatable button comprises a resilient material.
 9. The interiorrearview mirror assembly according to claim 8, wherein said resilientmaterial comprises a silicone material.
 10. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 6, wherein said actuatable interfaceincludes a plurality of buttons.
 11. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 7, wherein said switch is supported on aswitch board, said switch board being supported by said carrier.
 12. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein saidcarrier comprises a plate member, said plate member having a firstportion and a second portion offset rearwardly from said reflectiveelement from said first portion, and said second portion including saiddisplay element.
 13. The interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 1, further comprising at least one light assembly for displayingsaid indicia visible through said window.
 14. The interior rearviewmirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein said carrier supports aplurality of light assemblies for illuminating indicia on said displayelement visible through said window, each of said light assemblies beingisolated from adjacent light assemblies wherein light leakage betweenthe respective light assemblies is substantially reduced.
 15. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 14, wherein saidcarrier includes a divider wall between each light assembly.
 16. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 14, wherein saidcarrier includes a body with a plurality of cavities formed therein, aplurality of light sources associated with said cavities, and saiddisplay element extending over said body and over said cavities, saidcavities together with said light sources forming said light assembliesand directing light from said light sources to said display elementdisplaying said indicia.
 17. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 16, wherein each of said cavities includes at leastone opening formed therein through which said light sources direct lightto said display plate member, each of said openings having a reflectingsurface associated therewith for diffusing the light from a respectivelight source associated therewith.
 18. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 17, wherein said reflecting surfacescomprise curved reflecting surfaces.
 19. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 16, wherein said light sources comprisenon-incandescent light sources.
 20. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 16, wherein said display element comprises aresinous polymeric plate member.
 21. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 16, wherein said window comprises atrapezoidal-shaped window.
 22. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 21, wherein said display element comprises atrapezoidal-shaped member.
 23. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 16, further comprising a frame mounted to saiddisplay element, said frame mounting said display element on to saidcarrier over said body and said cavities.
 24. The interior rearviewmirror assembly according to claim 23, wherein said frame includes abase wall mounted to said display element, said base wall including aplurality of openings corresponding to and aligning with said cavitiesof said body, said openings exposing areas of said display element, andsaid light assembly directing light to said areas of said displayelement for displaying said indicia.
 25. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 24, wherein said frame includes recessedlanding surfaces extending around each of said openings, said bodyincluding projecting perimeter walls around each of said cavities, saidperimeter walls seating on said landing surfaces to isolate each cavityand each of said areas of said display plate to substantially reducelight leakage between the respective light assemblies.
 26. The interiorrearview mirror assembly according to claim 16, said display elementabutting said first surface of said reflective element and aligned withsaid window.
 27. The interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 17, wherein said light sources are mounted on a circuit board,said circuit board being supported by said carrier, and said lightsources being aligned with respective openings of said cavities.
 28. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein saidcarrier comprises a resinous polymeric member.
 29. The interior rearviewmirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein said case includes abottom wall and at least one light assembly positioned in said bottomwall of said case, and said carrier supporting a light source for saidlight assembly.
 30. The interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said case includes a bottom wall, said bottom wallsupporting a microphone module.
 31. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit boardmounted to said carrier, said circuit board supporting at least one ofan electronic device and an electrical device.
 32. The interior rearviewmirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein said reflective elementcomprises a prismatic reflective element.
 33. The interior rearviewmirror assembly according to claim 32, further comprising an actuator,said actuator moving said reflective element between a day viewingorientation and a night viewing orientation with reduced reflectivity.34. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, whereinsaid reflective element comprises an electro-optic reflective element.35. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 34, whereinsaid reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.36. A interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles, said mirrorassembly comprising: a mirror case having a reflective element, saidmirror case being adapted to mount to a vehicle, said reflective elementincluding a substrate and a reflective coating on one side of saidsubstrate, said reflective element further including a window throughsaid reflective coating on said substrate; and a carrier located in saidcase, said carrier having a display module for displaying one or moreindicia through said window to define a display area on said reflectiveelement, and said carrier supporting at least one of an electronic andelectrical device.
 37. The interior rearview mirror assembly accordingto claim 36, wherein said at least one electronic and electrical deviceis mounted on a circuit board, said circuit board being supported bysaid carrier.
 38. The interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 36, wherein said carrier comprises a plate member, said platemember having a first portion and a second portion offset rearwardlyfrom said reflective element from said first portion, and said secondportion including said light module.
 39. The interior rearview mirrorassembly according to claim 38, wherein said light module includes aplurality of light assemblies, each of said light assemblies beingisolated from adjacent light assemblies whereby light leakage issubstantially reduced between the respective light assemblies.
 40. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 39, wherein saidlight module includes a divider wall between each light assembly. 41.The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 40, whereinsaid light module includes a body with a plurality of cavities formedtherein, a plurality of light sources associated with said cavities, anda display element extending over said body and over said cavities, saidcavities directing light from said light sources to said display elementfor displaying said indicia.
 42. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 41, wherein said cavities include reflecting surfacesassociated with each light source for diffusing the light from saidlight sources.
 43. The interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 42, wherein said reflecting surfaces comprise curved reflectingsurfaces.
 44. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim42, wherein said light sources comprise non-incandescent light sources.45. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 42, whereinsaid display element comprises a plastic element.
 46. The interiorrearview mirror assembly according to claim 42, further comprising aframe mounted to said display element, said frame mounting said displayelement on to said carrier over said body and said cavities.
 47. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 46, said displayplate member abutting said first surface of said reflective element andaligned with said window.
 48. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 36, wherein said case includes a bottom wall and atleast one of a light assembly and a microphone module supported at saidbottom wall.
 49. The modular interior rearview mirror assembly accordingto claim 36, wherein said reflective element comprises a prismaticreflective element.
 50. The modular interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 36, wherein said reflective element comprises anelectro-optic reflective element.
 51. The modular interior rearviewmirror assembly according to claim 36, wherein said case includes abezel.
 52. The modular interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 51, further comprising a riser actuator interface having at leastone user actuatable button.
 53. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 52, wherein said carrier supports at least oneswitch, said carrier positioning said switch behind said button foractuation by said button.
 54. A interior rearview mirror assembly forvehicles, said mirror assembly comprising: a mirror case having aprismatic reflective element; and an actuator assembly for shifting thereflective element between a day viewing position and a night viewingposition having a reduced reflectivity, said actuator assembly having afirst member and a second member, said first member being adapted tomount said mirror case to a vehicle and having first and secondportions, a second member being mounted to said mirror case and beingpivotally mounted to said first portion of said first member and coupledto said second portion of said first member whereby pivoting of saidsecond member about said first portion shifts said mirror case betweensaid day viewing position and said night viewing position.
 55. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 54, wherein saidsecond member is biased against said second portion of said firstmember.
 56. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 55,wherein said second member is biased against said second portion by aspring.
 57. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 56,wherein said spring comprises a coil spring and includes one end mountedto said first member and a second end mounted to said second member. 58.The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 54, whereinsaid actuator assembly further includes an actuator handle, saidactuator handle being supported by said second member, said actuatorhandle rotating about an axis of rotation between a day position and anight position, rotation of said actuator handle about said axis ofrotation induces pivoting of said case about a pivot axis, and said axisof rotation being generally orthogonal to said pivot axis.
 59. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 58, wherein saidfirst member includes a downwardly depending member and said rotation ofsaid actuator handle moves said second member with respect to saiddownwardly depending member to thereby pivot said case about said pivotaxis.
 60. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 58,said actuator assembly further includes a cam member, said actuatorhandle rotating said cam member about said axis of rotation, said cammember moving said second member with respect to said first member tothereby pivot said case between said day viewing position and said nightviewing position.
 61. The interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 60, wherein said cam member includes a transverse opening defininga guide path, said downwardly depending member extending into saidtransverse opening, said guide path having a first end and a second end,when said actuator handle pivots to said day position said cam memberpivots to position said downwardly depending member at said first end,and when said actuator handle pivots to said night position said cammember pivots to position said downwardly depending member at saidsecond end.
 62. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim55, wherein said second member includes a central opening, said firstmember positioned in said central opening.
 63. The interior rearviewmirror assembly according to claim 55, wherein said mirror case includesa back wall, said second member being rigidly mounted to said back wall.64. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 63, whereinsaid mirror case includes a plurality of projecting bosses on said backwall, said second member being mounted to said mounting bosses on saidback wall.
 65. A interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles, saidmirror assembly comprising: a mirror case having a prismatic reflectiveelement; and an actuator assembly for shifting the reflective elementbetween a day viewing position and a night viewing position having areduced reflectivity, said actuator assembly having a first member and asecond member, said first member being adapted to mount said mirror caseto a vehicle, a second member being mounted to said mirror case andbeing pivotally mounted to said first member about a pivot axis, saidfirst member having at least a portion thereof positioned within saidsecond member to limit lateral movement of said second member toincrease the stability of said mirror case on said first member, andwhereby pivoting of said second member about said first portion shiftssaid mirror case between said day viewing position and said nightviewing position.
 66. The interior rearview mirror assembly according toclaim 65, wherein said second member is biased against said first memberin a direction generally orthogonal to said pivot axis when said mirrorcase shifted to one of said day viewing position and said night viewingposition.
 67. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim66, wherein said second member is biased against said first member by aspring.
 68. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 66,wherein said actuator assembly further includes an actuator handle, saidactuator handle being supported by said second member, said actuatorhandle rotating about an axis of rotation between a day position and anight position, rotation of said actuator handle about said axis ofrotation induces pivoting of said case about said pivot axis, and saidaxis of rotation being generally orthogonal to said pivot axis.
 69. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 68, wherein saidfirst member includes a downwardly depending member and said rotation ofsaid actuator handle guides said second member with respect to saiddownwardly depending member to thereby pivot said case about said pivotaxis.
 70. The interior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 68,wherein said actuator assembly further includes a cam member, saidactuator handle rotating said cam member about said axis of rotation,said cam member moving said second member with respect to said firstmember to thereby pivot said case between said day viewing position andsaid night viewing position.
 71. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 65, wherein said second member includes a centralopening, said first member positioned in said central opening.
 72. Theinterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 65, wherein saidmirror case includes a back wall, said second member being rigidlymounted to said back wall.
 73. The interior rearview mirror assemblyaccording to claim 72, wherein said mirror case includes a plurality ofprojecting members on said back wall, said second member being mountedto said mounting members on said back wall.